The balancing ideals of wisdom and compassion are lovingly embodied in the eternal knot, one of Buddhism's most sacred symbols. Meticulously handmade, our earrings are as beautiful as they are meaningful.

Artisan: Ana Art Group

The fair-trade network Handmade Expressions started working with the Ana Art Group after being contacted by a young girl who explained that her family and members of the community make jewelry similar to what was sold by Handmade Expressions. She expressed concerns that they were being mistreated by their current employers, and hoped that Handmade Expressions could bring some fair employment and hope for a better future. After meeting with the family and representatives from the community, the network was reminded of the reason why they continue to support fair trade: to provide help to those who need it the most.

Ana Art Group is proof positive that big change starts small. What began as a small and primarily female artisan group working from tiny, congested work spaces in Old Delhi, is now a large community with an increase in education opportunities and improvements in health and environmental impacts to working conditions.

In three years, with the help of Handmade Expressions, the Ana Art Group has grown from 15 members to 100. Wages have also increased with family income about 20-25% higher than standard for artisan work in their area, and allow flexible work schedules and paid time-off. The increase in wages and community growth is due to the sustainable and continuous work the artisans have received, allowing them to fulfill basic requirements for a decent standard of living.

In regional communities, children commonly enter the work force after the fifth grade to help support the family. The success of the Ana Art Group and counseling provided by SETU has allowed the community to keep their children, boys and girls alike, in school, raising the average literacy rates of the entire community. Seeing the promises of a better life through their children's education, the artisans have even arranged night classes for themselves. For the first time, members of the group are attending college, signifying a huge cultural shift in attitude towards the female's role in the community.